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Better Than #1.1-1.8

Better Than Beginnings

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Matt Sullivan knows he met someone special the night he spots the sexy man on the dance floor. However, he doesn’t know his life is about to change forever. First of all, Matt is straight. Okay, maybe not, but he doesn’t think falling in love and spending the rest of his life with a hotheaded, unapologetically fabulous diva is an option.

Aaron Mendez is confident, smart, and very comfortable in his skin. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. And though he might have reservations about falling for someone newly out of the closet, no one has ever looked at Aaron the way Matt does.

Navigating a relationship has its challenges, but both Matt and Aaron are willing to deal with difficult parents, holiday blues, and learning curves. They know their happy ever after is worth fighting for and that true love is better than good.

*No/low angst, sexy fun! This collection of short stories follows the lives of Matt and Aaron from my first novel, Better Than Good. The end of one chapter is the beginning of a whole new story from ordinary everyday life to an engagement, a wedding, and more. This collection is dedicated to Matt and Aaron fans and those who believe that the real love story happens after the first “I love you”.

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2020

98 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Lane Hayes

105 books1,719 followers
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,034 reviews25.3k followers
March 30, 2025
Better Than Beginnings is a collection of short stories that continue after book one in the Better Than series, Better Than Good. It’s a continuation of Matt and Aaron’s lives together. I fell so in love with them when I read Better Than Good but after reading all these little snippets of their lives, I feel like I’m bordering on being obsessed with them.

When Matt and Aaron first met, they never realized how important they would eventually be to each other. Their meeting was my favorite kind, when two stranger’s eyes meet for the first time and everything around them just fades. In Better Than Good, they eventually figured out that they were meant for each other. Now in this wonderful collection, we get so much more. A vacation together, Aaron’s thirtieth birthday, Christmas, their engagement, and their wedding. We see them dealing with their parents, their jobs, and dreaming of their futures together. All but the final section is told from Matt’s point of view but we finally get one from Aaron’s. As time goes on, the love between these two doesn’t diminish but in fact, continues to grow. Matt is constantly in awe of Aaron and it makes my heart glow.

I’m going right on to one other novella that focuses on them, Better Than Home, where they are house hunting together for the first time. Then I will go back to the actual series. Did I already say how much I love these two?!

“There’s a whole world spinning around us, but you’re the only one who matters.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Profile Image for Amina .
1,326 reviews39 followers
August 14, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰

“Sometimes I can’t believe I’m here with you.”

He frowned before straightening and scooting toward me, wrapping his arms around my neck.

“But here we are. And I think this is the way it’s supposed to be,” he whispered.”


A delightful collection that navigates through the years of Matt and Aaron's relationship since Matt's college graduation, Better Than Beginnings was a lovely beautiful look into the many significant and important moments in their lives that heightened how truly entwined they are with each other. And how the two of them truly make each other want to be better than good - that they can be the best for each other. 🌸🌸

“Aaron beamed one of his glorious megawatt smiles at me.

“You want to hold my hand?”

“Yeah.” I kissed his knuckles. “I’d be honored… and proud.”


From their significant first meet the parents encounter to trusting each other in the most intimate of natures to the final step in their journey that culminated how much their lives and love has transcended over time and beyond and for Lane Hayes, as well. 🧡🧡 There is a plethora of beautiful moments that captured how much Matt's love for Aaron has never once diminished - that each day is a new one to learn how to be better for him - how he wants to be the best for him - a constant reminder and firm stance that he is it for him. And it's a two-way street - love is, after all, and Aaron never shies away in showing that he is in it for the long haul, too - that he's willing to carry the weight and still prove that Matt means the world to him. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

“Aaron gave me a sappy smile and sighed. “That’s why I love you, Matty.”

“What did I say?”

“Sometimes it isn’t what you say. It’s how you look at me when you say it.”


From their endearing intimate moments - there is such a sweet realism to all the ups and downs of moving forward in their lives - moving into their first shared apartment - going to a Pride Parade for Matt to understand and see how he is a part of this community - first bouts of jealousy as a couple - reflective tidings of embracing the steps into adulthood as one - grown-up decisions of a shared life in the future - candy hearts of conversation that melt in the mouth but melted my heart, with all the many 'I love you's. 🌈🌈 That was a nice memory of my own - I loved the pastel colors of them! It was just with a warm smile on my face, I accompanied them on their way to the finish line, spanning six years of growth, maturity and kindness of loving someone with all your heart - and all you have to offer, and still want to give. 🥹 🥹

“I stay awake every night, and just stare at you, wondering how the fuck I got so lucky. You’re every color in the rainbow to me.

And maybe that’s corny.…In fact, I know it is, but I have everything I need here. And I’d do anything to let you know you’re never going to be alone. I’ll always be here.”


ee

When I read the author's note at how the idea of Matt and Aaron's story came to life after her own son's coming out to his family, I found it quite interesting how she wrote Matt's mother - someone so very unwilling to accept or even acknowledge her son's relationship with another man. It felt like a cathartic choice, one that also gave an insightful view that people are capable of change - that it's not always going to be easy, but love and patience and trust can find a way to bring everyone together. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

“It’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside…”

I missed a couple of chords and I fumbled the lyrics once, but when I reached the last line, “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world,” Aaron threw his arms around my neck and kissed me.

“It’s my favorite.”

“Then it’s yours.”

“Thank you.”


I adored how much admiration and love Matt had for Aaron - he was the image of a man who had hearts in his eyes for how even if they will always be 'opposites in almost every conceivable way', he was a part of him, someone who turned his world upside down and who 'made everything more vibrant and beautiful' with his 'rainbow-infused magic painting every piece of my life.' And their proposal scene had me tearing up, because when you can retrace to the moments that made the memories of who you are together stand out as a part of your future - that's the moment when you know that some things are truly meant to be. 💍🎸💍

I also loved the side pairings - how much they cared for them, the little family they had made with each other - offering compassion and support and insight in whatever way they could. I had met a few already in the first book, so it makes me super excited to get into their own stories soon! 💜💜

I was also quite pleased to see a definitive improvement in the writing; maybe, saying improvement sounds wrong, because who am I to know what is good writing or not, but it was definitely writing that flowed better and resonated with more than when I first started this series. 🙂 There is so much love for this pair - when a couple truly ingrains their way into our hearts, we would love to see them in the daily minutia of life - so to get that here, with them - a couple that is stronger together than ever before - was a lovely way to spend the weekend. ☺️

“There’s no such thing as ‘just you.’ You’re…all I can see. There’s a whole world spinning around us, but you’re the only one who matters.”

He lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. “We’re the ones who matter. You and me. Touch me, Matty.”


If I could have one complaint it would be that not every snippet into their life needed to have a sex scene! 😅 But, if you're hot, horny, and hopelessly in love, then, I suppose, wanting to have your hands all over each other, is surely a healthy way of simply saying how much 'I love you.' 🥰🥰
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,995 reviews437 followers
February 5, 2020
This is an absolutely fabulous collection of Aaron and Matty short stories, a few of which I've already read in various places as Lane's released them in her Facebook group or via her newsletter.

Having them all in one easily accessible book is a real joy though, as you get a further sense of the absolute devotion and true love this pair of unlikely partners have for each other.

There's times you'll be laughing out loud. There's times you'll want to cry, there's times you'll be so angry the Kindle's in danger of getting chucked out the window. But at all times you will know that Aaron loves Matty and Matty loves Aaron.

Just wonderful. I'd read about these two until the end of time.

One thing though, I've never understood how Matty's family could think that Aaron sounded anything like Erin. It must be a US thing.

Here in the UK Aaron is pronounced Aar-on while Erin is almost like Eh-rin. Just an odd thought I had!

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2020
Matt and Aaron and their amazing love story. A love story Pur Sang.

Matt is crazy in love, he even said the L word and doesn’t mind Aaron can’t say it yet.
Aaron is a sparkling personality, wearing lipgloss, eyeliner, and lace. Matt is the serious and more balanced one.

Aaron is the assistant to the editor in chief of a fashion magazine. Matt graduated and can call himself a lawyer. But looking at Aaron he knows what’s the most important in his life.

Matt meets Aaron’s family. He is reluctant to tell his own mother he has a boyfriend.
His mother is nagging him about girls, quite exhausting. When he finally has the nerves to tell them, it was like his family decided to ignore it.

This book is a collection of short stories about Aaron and Matt but it felt more like one large story. Every part merged smoothly into the other.
We can follow them about six to seven years, moving in together, decorating, finishing the study, starting new jobs, a first Pride, important parties, holidays. We can see them grow and getting steady. Their bond is unbreakable.
Dang they are everything together. They love each other so intensely and strongly it was a bit mind-blowing. With their vibrant passionate love life, not one sexual action is repetitive and that was a whole lot of awesomeness!

They are two engaging guys, lovable, with a lot of kindness. Both transparent and know what they want and stand for. So beautiful to watch their togetherness.
The natural way they behave around each other and grow together was absolutely fabulously done.
Is was an awesomely enjoyable story, somewhat easygoing because of the way they fit so wonderfully.

The only negative thing in this story was a very annoying family member who I wanted to strangle, shake hard, and even smash in the face.

Matt is the one who tells 95% of this story and what a wonderful voice he has. How he sees his man, as a Puerto Rican American spitfire with a wicked sense of humor and a lust for life, speaks of deep love!

I was mesmerized by this story, their love so strong, so honest, so sensual, so much joy. It was everything! They made me shed many emotional tears, they’re simply the best.
The story was well build-up, with an engagingly writing style. It was all thoroughly captivating and had two delightful heartwarming characters both excellently developed. I wanted to embrace them and squeeze them hard.
What I enjoyed the most was the certainty of their love, no exes, no intrusive colleagues, no horrible family members could tear them apart.
I could read this without being afraid something unrepairable would happen, nothing of that all, it felt so safe. I could fully relax and sit comfortably, read and enjoy this wonderful story.
All the love for this journey!

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews276 followers
February 5, 2020
It's no secret that I love Lane Hayes' writing and that I adore Matty and Aaron. Better Than Good was one of the first MM books I read, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved reading about Matty coming to terms with his bisexuality and falling head over heels with someone who was his polar opposite. It was sweet, sexy, and romantic. Over the years, I have kept up with their short stories on Lane's blog, and I was so excited to learn they were being published in print.

In Better Than Beginnings, we see the guys juggle everyday life, family, and friendships. Although things aren't always smooth sailing for them- what never waivers is their love and support for one another.

If you're a fan of Better Than Good, then I can't recommend Better Than Beginnings enough. You will swoon, you will smile, you'll want to drop kick someone, but above all, you'll be left incredibly happy.



5 Stars!
Profile Image for W.
1,391 reviews138 followers
April 10, 2022
4.5 stars Matt and Aaron's Happily Ever After

With Better Than Beginnings , Lane Hayes , gave me something I crave a lot; the opportunity, to "see" "be part of" , one's favorite main characters lives after their book ended.

Yes, lots of authors write epilogues into the future BUT what makes this book a glorious, must-read is the poignant, vivid, emotional, joyful, descriptive hot AF layers upon layers of Matt and Aaron daily lives.

We get the big milestones as the proposal, coming out to their parents, their wedding; the everyday normal occurrences cooking dinner together, having brunch with friends; the small but significant turning points, confronting Matt's mother , buying a condo, planning their wedding. All of these wonderful and precious details that satiate one's curiosity and provides the proper, satisfying , ending to beloved characters.


Profile Image for Denise H..
3,243 reviews268 followers
March 26, 2020
More than 10 stars ! This is all about Aaron and Matt in the Better Than series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, including this one.
This is the saga of Aaron and Matt in a collection of shorts that tie their lives together, and shows us the rewarding lives, and love that they have. Matt...


We see the baseball trip and meeting family, the cute condom conversation, the black thong, plus Pride weekend in Providence, the "L" word, jealousy and a fabulous party. We get more hotness, diverse positions, loving hearts, and intense passions released. The mirror image in their bedroom is erotic and exciting.
Aaron...


The writing is beautifully heart grabbing, as we see issues pop up and how our guys work them out, never once forgetting the divine and fulfilling love and life they have together. They are strong and complete together. Brilliant !



The tender telling of their beginning and throughout the moves forward. The proposal, and the glorious epilogue. A stand alone romance, free on KU.

A real treat to read, with heartwarming core.
Highly recommended.
E N J O Y !


=======
Profile Image for Ky.
589 reviews90 followers
March 4, 2020
*4.5 stars*

Matt and Noah! Lane Hayes isn't shy about showing how important these two characters are for her. She's always revisiting them and gifting us with scenes from their lives. This books is a combination of all those scenes.

It's like a collection of short stories about a favorite couple and we get to see them growing together and moving through the different phases of their relationship: from the uncertain early stages to the sure knowledge that they're going to grow old together.

I can see why she likes to write about them so much, even though they also have a more personal meaning for her. Noah is a delight to read about and Matt is the calm that he needs. They work well together and their relationship is a strong one. They have their challenges but they always get past them in their own unique way.

I look forward to reading more about this couple and I hope that the author will keep visiting them as they navigate life.

NOT a standalone.



An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
941 reviews72 followers
April 14, 2022
I've only recently read this series, in fact I finished Book 4 the same day I started this so all the characters were fresh in my mind. I honestly don't think it would have mattered though, Aaron and Matty's story is one you won't be forgetting in a hurry, they are just so wonderful together. This collection gives you a little insight into their lives after their book, be prepared and have some tissues ready as there are times when you're going to get a little teary (at least I did) and also a couple of times I wanted to throw the kindle at the wall! All in all, a marvellous collection of shorts and I'm just a bit gutted it's all over.

Second time reading, still love it, Aaron and Matty make me smile so much.
Profile Image for Emily Seelye.
726 reviews25 followers
February 6, 2020
I have read most of these on Lane’s blog. It’s nice to have them all in one place. Loved it!
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
January 30, 2020
Lane Hayes' Better Than Beginnings is a collection of short stories about the men from the Better Than series. If you've enjoyed the series, you need to read this now!

Matt and Aaron are a wonderful established couple. Such opposites, they each bring out the best in the other. In this collection of short stories that spans many years, we are treated at looks into multiple parts of their lives. They are dealing with co-worker problems, mother problems, as well as some jealousy, and navigating their future.

I enjoy the way the author explores different aspects of their relationship. They're fantastic looks into the way they work together and support one another. Their intense connection and extreme need and want for one another jump off the page throughout.

Basically, Better Than Beginnings is must read for the fans of Lane Hayes' Better Than series. It's a feel good book that's sure to delight!
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,871 reviews14 followers
April 28, 2022
Matt and Aaron ❤️

I adored this collection of stories that continue with Matt and Aaron's relationship....through the highs and lows they still have each other....it was full of everything I had hoped for this couple ❤️ there was laughter, passion, hard times, romance and feeling!! I would most definitely recommend this, especially after reading their first book.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,024 reviews109 followers
March 24, 2023
I liked the first book and was looking forward to these short stories.
Some of them were not my favourite but I absolutely loved the last 4 stories.
Matt and Elliott are a great couple and I loved their story.
I am really happy that there is another one
And now I have to read Curts story
Profile Image for Mirjam.
1,890 reviews112 followers
June 8, 2024



This collection of shorts featuring Matt and Aaron is fantastic! It had me laughing and sometimes made me sad.
Aaron's bold personality was admirable, he was his fabulous self in eyeliner and lace. Matt, with his serious demeanour, is the perfect balance to Aaron.
They loved each other fiercely and would go to war for their significant other.







Although things aren't always smooth sailing, they manage everyday life, tight group of friends and family. Above all their love and support for one another never wavers.





Part of the Better Than Series about a group of friends who navigate law school, self-discovering, and find unexpected love in DC:
Better Than Good (Better Than #1) by Lane Hayes Better Than Chance (Better Than #2) by Lane Hayes Better Than Friends (Better Than #3) by Lane Hayes Better Than Safe (Better Than #4) by Lane Hayes Better Than Beginnings A Better Than Good Short Story Collection (Better Than, #5) by Lane Hayes Better Than Home (Better Than, #4.6) by Lane Hayes
Profile Image for Sharon.
925 reviews
February 1, 2020
Better than Beautiful !

Matt and Aaron stole my heart with their first book. This book chronicles their life together. It is truly an endearing love story that will keep the warm and fuzzies going for a long time after the book ends. There is such joy in their just being that it jumps off the pages at you. It will make you smile, laugh out loud, cry and then sigh.

Matt knows that Aaron is his forever love and he really has to work through their issues to make it happen. Aaron knows that he can completely lose himself in Matt if he’s not careful. The struggle is real.

This book and the entire series can be reread many times over and will never get old.
Profile Image for Mac Paterson.
325 reviews
January 29, 2020
What an absolute joy to read. I fell in love with Matt and Aaron in Better Than Good and this short story collection is a fantastic continuation of their story. I loved seeing how their life together developed and how they dealt with everyday life.

The bond between these two us so strong and that really shows in these stories, I could read about them forever!
Profile Image for Cyndi (hiatus).
750 reviews45 followers
July 11, 2021
Lets see if I can review this through my tears. Better Than Beginnings was the sequel to Better Than Good that I didn't even know I needed. I came into this series very late in the game. I tend to avoid older books in the MM genre because I feel like so much has changed in the world and within the LGBTQ+ community over the last few years that the older books show their age. Better Than Good was an example of that and when I finished it a few days ago, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue the series. I wasn't a huge fan of the over-narration or the lack of dialogue. I've also been spoiled by the switch to dual POV's recently, so being trapped only in Matt's head the entire time had me pining for Aaron's perspective. There were also some terms used that made me a little uncomfortable. However, I respected that this was the author's first book and loved the reason behind her writing it and the sentimental value it held for her. I also fell in love with Matt and Aaron. When I saw this collection of short stories, I knew I had to read them or I would go nuts wondering what happened between these two and I am so glad I did.

Total honesty - I usually lose interest after a couple becomes a couple. I love firsts and will tolerate a marriage proposal, but am typically pleased as punch with an implied HEA and a sweet ending. I didn't expect to love these short stories as much as I did or to become so invested in these two characters or their lives post-coupledom. I am actually mourning the loss of them in my life. I just downloaded book 2 through KU and plan to finish the whole series now, if only to get more of Aaron and Matt as side characters.

These stories really read as a sequel more so than separate short stories. Yes there were time skips, but it all flowed so well together and highlighted all of the important points in their lives. And I appreciated and reveled in the moments that weren't perfect - the disagreements, the small bouts of jealousy and insecurity, and the ways they navigated each others differences. It was truly, truly beautiful and written so damn well. And that marriage proposal - just, wow. I had to go back and read it multiple times, it was so special and perfect.

I can't gush enough about this collection of stories. I know I'll revisit them again in the future and they will hold a special place in the section of my heart reserved for my favorite love stories. Te amo Matt and Aaron. Por vida.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
443 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2020
5 stars
Without this compilation of short stories Matt and Aarons story wouldn't have felt complete for me. All the things that I wanted to see in "Better than Good" finally showed up here. I loved it! Matt comes out to his family (or more like his mother), he meets Aarons family, they go on vacation, celebrate Aarons 30th Birthday, meet ex partners, go Christmas tree shopping, get engaged, married and then face the difficult decision to play it save or follow their dreams.

The short stories are in chronological order and the whole compilation reads almost like Matt and Aarons second book. The stories flow very well together and follow each other like chapters in a book. With very minor editing this could easily have been the next book in their story. It wasn't choppy at all. The conflicts ran like a common thread through the stories and what was introduced in an early story (e.g. the problems with Matts mum) were eventually addressed in a later story and felt like a natural development.

The only minor complaint that I have is that there were too many sex scenes. There was one in almost every story and because they weren't very varied it felt repetitive after a while. The strenght of the author definitely lies in the deeply romantic moments with beautiful declarations of love that never feel corny and in cheerful and slightly humorous dialogue. It wasn't laugh-out-loud funny but Aarons antics and Matts dry commentary had me grinning time and time again. Then sighing happily when Matt, despite claiming to be clueless most of the time, says just the right thing at the right time. Again and again.

I totally adore Matt and Aaron and was really sorry to let them go at the end of the book. I feel like there is still lots to tell and really hope that the author visits these characters again in the future. Maybe when they have the house, the kids and the dog. :)
Profile Image for Beth.
2,909 reviews26 followers
April 18, 2022
4.5 stars…I really enjoyed this collection of short stories and novellas that traces all of the key moments in the further development of Matt and Aaron’s relationship from Matt’s graduation from law school when neither family knows about their relationship through their wedding and a big promotion.

Several milestones and emotional moments are covered and the stories present a great overall picture of their life and their relationships with friends and family. There are moments of humor and drama. You will want to cheer in points and gasp in anger or empathy in others. The book definitely stands alone after you’ve read Better Than Good but your enjoyment will be enhanced if you’ve read the other books in the series to fully appreciate Jay and Peter, Curt and Jack, and Seth and Paul and their contributions to the narratives.

My only critique of the book, which others I’m sure will love rather than not appreciate is the number of sex scenes. The problem really comes in the format of short stories and novellas I guess. If each of the stories was read on it’s own rather than one after another it might not have been so overwhelming but for me the scenes came too close together, seemed repetitive, and often seemed to detract from the storyline rather than add to it. I do have to say that I tend to one who prefers the steamy scenes to add to story and develop organically rather than come off as sex for sex’s sake. Legions will disagree! But it did result in me doing a lot of skimming

Absent that one minor issue for me I loved the way we track Matt and Aaron’s lives here and the lead in the book serves for the upcoming novella Better Than Home.

**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**

Profile Image for Edga.
2,241 reviews23 followers
Read
January 29, 2020
Beautiful romance.


What can I say? Ms Hayes has done it again. Better Than Beginnings is a wonderfully heart warming follow on to the author's first novel, Better Than Good. I read the latter when it first came out, and totally fell in love with the MCs, Matt and Aaron.

Whilst reading about the way their relationship develops, I fell even more in love with these guys, and their friends. It was lovely to watch them overcome their hurdles, and their feelings to blossom quickly into a love which rivals all love.

There are emotions galore all through this book, and it made me feel, at some points, that I was experiencing this journey with the MCS; not when they were doing the 'dirty' though, I definitely left the room 😉

It made me feel quite tearful in parts, but I couldn't help smiling too! I enjoyed reading about the gradual change in Matt's character as he discovers love, and realises that Aaron is 'his person.' Aaron is an absolute delight, he leads Matt a merry dance, but, together they're perfect.

If you've not read the Better Than series by Ms Hayes, I suggest you pick Better Than Good, and start reading today. It's a fantastic set of stories, about a group of friends who fall in love and eventually find happiness. So highly recommended. Needless to say, I want more! Take heed Ms Hayes.
9 reviews
January 31, 2020

I first fell in love with Matt and Aaron when their eyes met across a dance club in Better Than Good, the book in which author Lane Hayes introduced them to us. To once again fall back into their world in this compilation of short stories was like a visit with your favorite relatives or those friends you have the most fun with! The love that shines from this couple sets the example of the type of love each of us should look for. Unshakeable, devoted, unselfish, unquestioning, complete. Yes I know they're fiction, but without doubt Lane Hayes created a couple that makes me smile and yes, envy the relationship possible between two opposite personalities when true love is the base they build upon. To see the continuation of their story in these short snapshots of major events was so heartwarming! You should definitely read their beginning which is Better Than Good, though there is enough included in these stories that you might not need to. However, I think you will find that you love Matt and Aaron so much you'll want to go back and read every detail. There are also characters from the other Better Than series of books included and I admit that I am now headed to re-read those as well! What a beautiful continuation of the story of two beautiful people!
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,771 reviews41 followers
April 17, 2022
I love Matty and Aaron!

Better Than Beginnings is such a special treat. I just recently read Better Than Good for the first time and fell in love with Matty and Aaron. In a way I’m glad that I hadn’t read it back when it was first published. Why? Because I almost never re-read books so Matty and Aaron’s story was still fresh in my mind when I began reading Better Than Beginnings.

It has been so great to read more about them and their lives together after the end of Better Than Good. We finally learn how it goes for Matt when he comes out to his family; how the two of them get along after moving in together and so many other wonderful scenes that continued their beautiful love story.

This collection is exactly the kind of thing I would love to have for any book with characters that I couldn’t get enough of. While I had copies of many of these from Lane’s website, I actually never read any of them because I hadn’t read Better Than Good yet. I’m so glad that she gathered all of these into one organized book so that they are in the correct reading order.

Thank you for this gift, Lane. ❤
Profile Image for Rachel.
564 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2024
So I read this even though this story didn’t really do it for me but I’m a sucker for an epilogue with a HEA and I thought this is what I was getting into. Color me surprised when it’s a book of its own, very much like a never ending epilogue with a few hiccups here and there.

Matt’s mom is not likable or redeemable and I hate how they brush over it when she finally comes around and pretends like everything is ok because she’s now onboard and that somehow excuses her really terrible actions. Umm sorry but I’m not gettin over it. Any chance she gets she changes the conversation not acknowledging anything about her son’s relationship with Aaron. She’s super rude to him and not shy about making her intentions known. Doesn’t acknowledge the relationship calling him Matt’s roommate after being coupled for years now. She’s an insufferable woman and I hate that Matt didn’t really stand up for Aaron. As the partner and it being your mom it’s his job to come to Aaron’s defense and not excuse her nasty behavior.

I was just glad when the book was over.
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
814 reviews
January 28, 2020
While reading this, I had to look up Your Song by Sir Elton John, then listen to it in it's entirety.
Being able to be here and watch Aaron and Matt build their relationship, their lives, was amazing!
We got to hang out with all the guys from the connecting books and see where their lives are now.
Ups and downs , happiness, sadness, disappointments, dealing with your mother, your boss and women that just can't understand til you SHOW them just what is up! The love and smoking hot love scenes. All of that and so much more , all put into this book about Matt and Aaron.
I so enjoyed the memories, the part of the story I hadn't read yet but REALLY hoped would happen and everything else along the journey . It was all so beautifully written. Love our guys. Love is Love and is indeed celebrated most fantastically in this book.
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.
514 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2022
Better Than Beginnings is a set of short stories featuring Matt and Aaron from Better than Good. It is basically a super-extended epilogue for Better Than Good that lets us see Matt and Aaron's life at various points in time and at certain events after Better Than Good ends.

I really liked getting to visit with Matt and Aaron again, and in some ways, I almost preferred the story told through these short stories better than the original romance told in Better Than Good. These short stories portray the "after" the HEA and it's hard and messy and complicated. But it's real life and the deep love that Matt and Aaron feel for each other shows through. This collection of stories shows more depth and emotional dynamics than the original story and it makes an impact.

Overall, this is a terrific collection that I recommend. While you don't have to read books 2-4 in the Better Than series before reading this, you (obviously) do need to read Better Than Good. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Heather.
874 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2020
Matty and Aaron ❤️

I don’t even know where to start... This series, particularly the first book “Better Than Good”, has a special place in my heart. It was one of my first MM reads, my first by Lane Hayes, and one I’ve re-read the most. This compilation of short stories expanding on Matty and Aaron’s life together had me reading with such a huge smile on face, a tear in my eye, and fanning myself from time to time! I loved stepping back into Matty and Aaron’s world and getting glimpses into their lives since we last left them. This book is a must-read for those who love Matty and Aaron, and if you haven’t yet met them, you must do yourself the favor of starting from where it all began - “Better Than Good” and coming back for more with “Better Than Beginnings”. And to Lane - thank you so much for Matty and Aaron! ❤️
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2020
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

The Better Than series is one of my favorites and I always looked forward to the Aaron and Matt snippets that Lane Hayes put in her newsletters once in a while so it is amazing to be able to read them all together as well as seeing more of the other characters. I love everything about this couple and how they deal with the big and small events in their lives. The joy they have in just being together is so sweet. They have a wonderful group of friends that love and support them and families that make them a bit crazy at times but overall accept them for who they are. These stories add so much to the series and I reread all four books so that I could thoroughly enjoy Better Than Beginnings.
744 reviews
February 3, 2020
This is a continuation of Matt and Aaron’s story. Their first book Better Than Good gave us their getting to know each other and would have probably been their HEA. Usually authors books give us a couples trials and tribulations to get to their HEA’s and then do not expand on their happiness sufficiently enough to give us more of their future. Books seem to be all about the journey and no basking in forever for a while. Lane continued on with Matt & Aaron storyline with short stories and then decided to turn these shorts into BTB. This book had no angst, it was all about the “happy”. I truly loved this extensive travelling through their lives. I wish all authors would write more about a couples lives after whatever they have endured/lived through, obviously not the length of another book but at least more chapters dedicated to their forevers.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,814 reviews177 followers
January 27, 2020
Matt saw Aaron across a crowded dance floor and instantly knew this was the one he was going to have a future with. But that does not mean that everything is rosy and will run smoothly, especially when your family will not come to the understanding that Aaron is not just your friend or roommate. With each short story in this novel the reader gets a glimpse on the hurdles they need to overcome to getting their HEA. From birthdays to holidays, from engagements to weddings this was page after page of connection and true love. The reader falls in love with Matt and Aaron all over again. A must read.
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